Pebble launches colorful limited-edition smartwatches

The smartwatch company that set Kickstarter alight and in doing so proved there is a demand for wrist-worn smartphone extensions is brightening up its range with three new brightly colored models.

Available exclusively via the Pebble website, the Pebble "FreshHotFly" watches come in a choice of three colours -- Fresh Green, Hot Pink and Fly Blue -- and cost $150 each.

Like all Pebble watches, the new models use a monochrome e-ink screen, connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and offer a battery life of four to five days before they need recharging.

The watches can also access a fast-growing selection of dedicated apps that offer everything from the weather forecast to help improving your golf swing. There's even an app for keeping tabs on your Mercedes-Benz's fuel levels and whether or not its doors are locked.

Pebble FreshHotFly edition. Photo: AFP

When the company first started selling its fashion and function-focused smartwatches back in 2013, it essentially had the smartwatch market to itself, and although it has done well to attract developers (there are already over 1,000 apps available for the device) to its platform and to add a premium Steel model to the range, competition is mounting.

The first Android Wear watches from Samsung and LG are now on sale and unlike Pebble's watches, they offer full-color displays and are backed by the technological strength of Google.

One of the reasons that Pebble plumped for a monochrome display was battery life. No one is yet to launch a full-color-display smartwatch that can go for more than a day or so on a single charge.

However, there are rumors that Pebble might soon be making the jump to watches with screens that are as colorful as their bezels and straps in order to remain competitive.